The late Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs as well as Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore, angler Edwin Evers, Webb City High School football coach John Roderique and Springfield philanthropist Bobby Allison will be among the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s induction Class of 2021.
The Enshrinement presented by Killian Construction is set for Sunday, January 31 at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, with a 4 p.m. reception presented by Reliable Toyota and the 5 p.m. ceremony to follow. The event’s associate sponsors are Advertising Plus, Bryan Properties, Hiland Dairy Foods, Great Southern Bank, Hillyard, Inc. and Sterling Bank.
Edwin “Cookie” Rice, the longtime CEO of the Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company, will receive the President’s Award. Former Chiefs President Carl Peterson (MSHOF 2005) will accept on behalf of Thomas.
The Class of 2021 consists of:
- Derrick Thomas, Chiefs linebacker
- Dayton Moore, Royals GM
- Edwin Evers, Angler
- Mark Lamping, Former President of the St. Louis Cardinals
- John Roderique, Webb City football coach
- Bobby Allison, Springfield philanthropist
- Dennis Heim, Monett & Missouri State football standout
- Jim Middleton, Basketball coach
- Alex Hall, Kickapoo & Drury basketball standout
- Jim Whytlaw, Swim coach
- Missouri State Sugar Bears
- Dan Boever, Golf Long Driver & Entertainer
- Pat Colon, Southeast Missouri State basketball standout
- Poplar Bluff High School Boys Golf Program
- Paul Evans, Missouri State pitching coach
- The Mizzou Football Chain Crew
- Tom Mast, Sports Media
- Warrensburg High School Country Programs
- Ron Clawson, Warrensburg coach
- Bryan Blitz, University of Missouri soccer coach
- Cookie Rice of Ozarks Coca-Cola/Pepper – the President’s Award
A sponsorship table of 10 is $1,500 and includes perks such as a poster (drawn by artist Dayne Dudley) autographed by individual inductees and recognition in the printed program and at the table. An individual ticket is $150. Numerous sponsorships are available, including congratulatory ads, trading cards and 20-month calendars. Call 417-889-3100.